The Confederation Centre of the Arts’ fifth annual Behind the Red Velvet fundraising gala on Saturday, March 3 is completely sold out.
“We are thrilled with the support of the community for our Behind the Red Velvet fundraising gala,” says David MacKenzie, CEO of the Confederation Centre. “We are looking forward to this fabulous event, which will raise funds in support of the ongoing development and expansion of youth education programs at the Centre.”
Actor Gordon Gammie, known to Islanders as Eddie Lawrence in the 2006 Charlottetown Festival’s hit comedy Shear Madness, will emcee the event. Last year he made his debut at the Charlottetown Festival in Shear Madness, which will be back again this summer. He has worked for many other theatre companies including Neptune Theatre, Two Planks And A Passion, 2b Theatre, Eastern Front, Stephenville Theatre Festival, Alive Theatre, Theatre Skam and the Chester Summer Festival. Apart from many roles in film and television, he has recorded several radio productions and appeared in several television commercials, most notably the Atlantic Superstore campaign.
This year’s gala will give people a taste of life backstage in the theatre world, starting with a reception in the rehearsal hall that will extend into the dressing rooms. Gammie will also act as the stage manager for the event, ensuring that people move through the dressing rooms and are aware of the silent auction that will take place in the adjacent hallway.
After the reception, an elegant five-course dinner, prepared by Chef Jeff Stewart, of Mavor’s, will be held on the Mainstage itself, where hundreds of Canadian artists have performed since the Centre opened in 1964. Violinist Kinley Dowling will add to the atmosphere as she moves through the tables, playing her violin.
An exciting feature of the evening will be a live auction, with Gammie and other guests as auctioneers. Items up for bid will include works of art donated by artists George Zimbel, Henry Purdy, Elsie Sawchuck, David Blackwood, Henry Dunsmore, Richard Vickerson, Stephen MacInnis and Don Andrus; cameo appearances in the 2007 Charlottetown Festival productions The British Invasion: A Musical Revue and the hit comedy Shear Madness; an all-inclusive trip south for two donated by The Travel Store; and a flight & tour of Îles de la Madeleine for ten people provided by Prince Edward Air. Following the dinner and auction will be a dance, featuring vocalist Réjean Cournoyer and the Hired Horn Band.
Funds raised during the gala will be used for youth education at the Centre. For information, contact Sarah Hastelow at (902) 629-1159 or confederationcentre.com.
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